Tag Archives: 1989 model form operating agreement

Co-author Alexandra Crawley In Elm Ridge Exploration Co., LLC v. Engle we are reminded of a little-used provision in the 1989 Model Form Operating Agreement. Article VI.D.1 allows the operator to use its own equipment, but his charges may not exceed prevailing rates in the area, and the rates must be agreed to in writing before… Continue Reading

Co-author Andrew Neal Non-operators have had a lot in common with Br’er Rabbit ever since 2006, when the Texas Supreme Court surprised the industry in Seagull Energy E & P, Inc. v. Eland Energy, Inc. Their tar baby is the ruling that, absent a release from the operator a working interest under a JOA who assigns his interest to… Continue Reading

It’s deju vu all over again in Chesapeake Operating, Inc. v. Sanchez Oil & Gas Corp. More accurately, it is a variation of Reeder v. Wood County Energy, LLC, et al. applied to Louisiana operations. For the impact of the exculpatory clause protecting the operator from liability in the 1989 Model Form JOA, see my post (co-authored by Marty Averill),… Continue Reading

Co-authored by Marty Averill If you are a non-operator under the 1989 Model Form Operating Agreement, pay close attention to Reeder v. Wood County Energy, LLC, et al. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that the operator is not liable to non-operators for breach of the agreement except in the cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct…. Continue Reading

About Charles Sartain

I have been helping clients of all types resolve their commercial disputes for most of my 35 years as a lawyer. Of the many industries in which I have worked, the energy business is the most fascinating… More